5 players the Celtics could target this offseason

Boston Celtics

An NBA insider reports that Kawhi Leonard could be a major trade candidate this offseason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is sure to be the talk of the NBA this offseason until his home is solidified for 2026 and beyond. He’s a former MVP, and he’s the biggest name that could leave if the Bucks get his wish.

The Celtics appear to be on their way to Antetokounmpo, according to NBA insiders. But if they fold or fail to land the star, who will remain in the market that can help them get back into deep playoff contention?

Here are 5 players Boston could target outside of Antetokounmpo this season.

Kawhi Leonard

Leonard could be a name to watch on the trade scene this season; According to NBA reporter Michael Scotto’s sources. If that comes to fruition, he will easily be the second-best player available this season behind Antetokounmpo.

Leonard would be a great fit for the Celtics as well, given his versatility and defensive prowess. He’s a veteran with Championship experience, who can score but doesn’t demand the ball, and is a scorer at three levels.

There’s no telling what Boston would have to give up to get Leonard. But perhaps it is worth at least trying tires with clippers to check their availability and price.

LeBron James

In terms of unrestricted free agents, James is the biggest and best name to hit the market.

Even in his 40s, James is producing over 20 points per game. And last season, he proved that he is not only willing to accept a role as a second option, but thrives in it.

James would have a lot of suitors if he chose to leave Los Angeles, which is highly unlikely, considering his family is there and his son is his teammate. But if he leaves, he would certainly be a good fit for the Celtics. James has the size to play offense, but his IQ makes him more than just a point guard.

Boston could build a starting five with Derrick White and Jaylen Brown in the backfield, and James, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Koueta in the frontcourt while allowing James to run offensively. Facilitating him would help solve the occasional problem the Celtics have with playing too much isolation ball.

James should be considered a long shot on Boston’s offseason wish list, but if he’s looking for one last title before retirement, it could be a good spot for both parties.

John Collins

Collins doesn’t exactly have a career year in 2025-26, but if the Celtics are looking to add forward depth, he would certainly be a good option.

At 28 years old, he averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game, shooting over 55 percent from the field and 40 percent from 3-point range. In a bigger role With the Utah Jazz in the 2024-25 season, He’s averaging over 19 points per game, so he’s proven to be a more than capable offensive threat.

Collins could demand a larger contract than Boston is willing to offer, depending on its approach to the luxury tax. But his style of play seems to fit well with Tatum’s.

Jackson Hayes

Hayes has some growing to do as a center, but for a very low salary cap, the Celtics could bolster their center depth.

Hayes averaged 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season and played nearly 18 minutes per game. Given Queta’s struggle to stay on the field in the playoffs, a guy like Hayes behind him wouldn’t be the worst thing for Boston. Hayes averaged 1.9 fouls per game last year, compared to 2.8 per game for Keita (and 4.1 per game in the postseason).

Coby White

The Celtics don’t have a desperate need for guard help, but if they’re looking to improve at the position, White is an unrestricted free agent coming off a season in which he averaged more than 17 points per game. His 3-point shot is relatively average. He’s a 36 percent pro at shooting from distance. But he’s a capable scorer in other ways too.

If either Payton Pritchard or Derrick White ends up in a trade scenario this offseason, C. White could fill out their offensive output.